Rare Corpse Flower Blooms at Massachusetts College

The famously foul-smelling plant draws crowds and curiosity at Mount Holyoke College.

Apr. 19, 2026 at 9:11pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A bold, abstract painting in muted earth tones depicting the complex biological mechanisms behind the corpse flower's dramatic bloom and foul scent, using sweeping geometric shapes and precise botanical spirals to convey the structural order of the natural world.The rare and short-lived bloom of the corpse flower at Mount Holyoke College reveals the remarkable biological adaptations that allow this plant to thrive.Holyoke Today

A rare and notoriously pungent corpse flower, nicknamed 'Pangy', has bloomed at the Talcott Greenhouse on the campus of Mount Holyoke College in South Hadley, Massachusetts. The bloom is attracting visitors eager to experience the plant's signature rotten flesh-like odor, which is designed to attract pollinators.

Why it matters

The corpse flower's brief blooming period and dramatic scent make it a botanical curiosity that fascinates both casual observers and serious plant enthusiasts. While the smell may be off-putting, it serves an important biological purpose in the plant's ecosystem.

The details

The corpse flower, or Amorphophallus titanum, is known for its massive, umbrella-like bloom that can reach over 10 feet tall. When it opens, the flower emits an overpowering odor that has been compared to rotting flesh, sulfur, and dirty diapers left in the sun. This scent is designed to attract pollinators like carrion beetles and flesh flies.

  • The corpse flower, nicknamed 'Pangy', began blooming at the Talcott Greenhouse on the Mount Holyoke College campus this week.

The players

Nyx DelPrado

A first-year student at Mount Holyoke College who visited the greenhouse to see the corpse flower bloom.

Tom Clark

The director of the botanic garden at Mount Holyoke College, who explained the biological purpose behind the corpse flower's foul odor.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I was expecting it to smell bad, but it smelled genuinely like rotting flesh.”

— Nyx DelPrado, Student

“The smell 'is there for a purpose... to attract pollinators.'”

— Tom Clark, Botanic Garden Director

The takeaway

The rare blooming of the corpse flower at Mount Holyoke College is a captivating botanical event that showcases the remarkable adaptations of nature, even in the face of an unpleasant odor. The fleeting display highlights the delicate balance and specialized roles that plants play in their ecosystems.